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Migrating a physical SBS 2003 to a virtualized (Hyper V win 2012 R2 host) SBS 2011

I have read that some people were successful doing so, but I wonder hoew i can provide the information from teh "migration answer file" to the SBS 2011 VM in migration mode.
Also would love to hear about other potential snags in the process because of the VM setup.

Philip Elder

Use a Generation 1 VM for your SBS 2011 Standard.
Create a Dynamic VHDX file in the host's Disk Management, initialize it, and format it NTFS. 50GB would be enough.
Copy the following into that VHDX:
+ Answer File
+ Server 2008 R2 SP1 x64
+ Latest Exchange 2010 SP/UR
Detach it and attach it to your SBS VM via IDE bus ONLY.
You will be prompted for networking and to "find" the source server. SHFT+F10 to bring up CMD and ping source to make sure it's there then click on.

Once the installer is done you should see the green check mark of love. ;0)

Make sure your AD is healthy first!

We have a great pair of blog posts for this:
SBS 2011 Setup Guide: http://bit.ly/p3YbXO
Migration Guide: http://bit.ly/oZ5ePG

Both are on our MPECS Inc. company blog.

JPD153

ASKER

Excellent blogs > Really good info and procedures.
I would however be grateful if yu could expand a bit the processes you suggested in the answer.
Do I need to create 2 VMs on the host, one for the SBS 2011 and one for the answerfile ?
When you say "copy" Server 2008 R2 SP1 x64 is it just the content of the .iso file ?
Also "Latest Exchange 2010 SP/UR" : Is it the whole exchange or just the Service pack ? What is "UR" ?

Sorry it is my first approach to SBS in Hyper V

Already got a clean DCDIAG on 2003

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Philip Elder

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JPD153

ASKER

I will trying that next week. Thanks for your answers

JPD153

ASKER

Clear explanations.

Philip Elder

Thanks!

Note that because the VHDX would be attached via IDE bus the SBS 2011 VM would need to be shut down in order to disengage it.

JPD153

ASKER

I assume thet I would have to wait until the migration is over to reboot the SBS 2011 ...

Philip Elder

Once the OS Migration Mode install completes successfully copy out the needed service packs, update rollups, and other bits before shutting the VM down. Once shut down it is safe to remove that VHDX from the SBS VM.

JPD153

ASKER

Will keep you posted and may have to ask further questions if I get confused during the migration (starting Friday PM)

Philip Elder

It's pretty straightforward. The two blog post guides should help you stay focused. Make sure to check off each step as they are completed (I put a time beside the check to keep me aligned).